Haywood Middle School held the Promotion Ceremony for 242 eighth-grade students on Tuesday, May 19, in the Haywood High School gymnasium to a packed house of family and friends. Principal Yvette Blue welcomed everyone to the ceremony and introduced Mr. and Mrs. HMS, Deyondrius Hines and Ahmadia Hines who spoke to the crowd and their classmates. Also speaking to the crowd was Superintendent of Schools Teresa Russell. HMS Guidance Counselor Michelle Brasfield introduced the Top 10, followed by HHS Principal Dr. Jerry Pyron speaking to the students about coming to HHS, dreaming big, working hard and finding success. Mrs. Blue and Assistant Principal J. Morris Long gave the students their promotional certificates before presenting them as the “Class of 2019.”

Earning Top Ten Honors based on their three-year grade averages were (1) Samuel Thomas Banks, 98; (2) Victoria Isabella Colbeck, 97.70; (3) Ashlei Renea Wililams, 97.43; (4) Titus Ezra Newble, 97.38; (5) Jackson Lefave Pettigrew, 97.22; (6) Hunter Ricks Smothers, 96.67; (7) Emily Vaden Russell, 96.63; (8) Colbie Leigh Killen, 96.37; (9) Jamya Nashae Douglas, 95.95; and (10) Ellington Skye Steele, 95.93.